Yard Bull: A Railroad Detective's Memoir

Written by a modern-day, Burlington-Northern Special Agent (railroad police), Dean O'Shea's memoir, Yard Bull, takes the reader on a fast-paced ride as he fights criminals and his conscience in a world unlike any other; where roaming felons make the laws, and the work environment can kill you.

O'Shea also shares his personal life through the unexpected lessons learned while working on the wrong side of the tracks, putting a human face and heart on the railroad's steel exterior. The adversity he experiences will ultimately expose his prejudices, define true faith and friendship, and reveal what it takes to love someone unconditionally...

Whether you're a railfan, memoir lover, or a believer in the healing power of faith, Yard Bull is your next great read!


Readers' Comments

"...This excellent piece of nonfiction is a first-hand account of the railroad police profession, a part of railroading that often goes unexplored."  Sayre C. Kos, Trains Magazine, April, 2008

As we read, each page transported us to amazing things, some so familiar, some totally unknown. The ending left a deep imprint, after all that Dean dealt with, to be able to see past it to the value of a person is the call to all of us. Jadie & Bill H., Hawaii

I finished "Yard Bull" in three nights as it was hard to put down! The railroad stories were fascinating and seemed to be from another world that the rest of society doesn't ever see. His flashbacks to Vietnam interwoven with the present gave the memoir depth and relevance. I found myself coming away with a sense of who Dean was and how his life had shaped that.  It brought me to tears, made me laugh and made me curious of what Dean is doing now..... Definitely recommend this book!   C.S. Portland, Oregon

As a train conductor on the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway's Northwest Division, I can say that O'Shea has created a book that is an accurate representation of what we see happening around the Seattle railway yards on an all too frequent basis.  You won't be disappointed!  Eric P., Seattle

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About the Author

Dean O’Shea followed his father and grandfather’s legacy when he made his career with the railroad. After 27 years as a Special Agent with Burlington-Northern, he retired in the Pacific Northwest where he and Henry still get together to fish and try out new restaurants. Dean walks with his dogs every day, keeps in touch with family in Nebraska and Oregon, as well as volunteering in his community. On any given day, he’s never far from the sea.